The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works this week voted 10-8, along party lines, in favor of confirming President Obama’s appointment of Gina McCarthy as the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. According to Senate rules, this vote sends McCarthy’s nomination to the Senate floor. However, Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) still has a hold on her nomination that will have to be withdrawn before a floor vote can occur. It is currently uncertain when exactly this hold will be withdrawn and a vote can occur.